Boeing's Dreamliner could fly on Dec 15

CHICAGO: Boeing Co. said that its delayed Dreamliner 787 jet could make its maiden test flight on December 15 -- two years behind schedule.

The US manufacturer said in a letter sent to journalists that the "window" for a first flight would open on December 15, with the timing dependent on final reviews by engineers, late tests, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.

It said the flight would take place at Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington state.

Boeing had planned to carry out the much-awaited jet's first flight in late 2007 but this was held up by technical problems. It now hopes to make first deliveries in late 2010, two and half years behind its first schedule.